The Purdue Faith Communities’ Society for Science and Religion Dialogue

St. Thomas Aquinas Center and the Aquinas Educational Foundation Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana

The intent behind this society is to create an ongoing dialogue among six groups with six distinct community-driven themes, growing to fifteen groups with fifteen themes, bringing together a cross-section of Purdue professors, students, clergy, and local laity. Dedicated to substantive exploration of subjects at the intersection of science and faith of grassroots interest, this confederation of study groups will meet once per month during the academic year considering two books of significance per year. Among the group themes is: cosmology and theology; black holes, white lights, and gray areas; Intelligent Design; and moral dilemmas in genetic engineering. The society also sponsors two conferences per year, with a public lecture followed by a day of rigorous discussion for society members, invitees, and other invited LSI network members. Public events aim to enlarge the perspectives of participants and invite new membership and further public engagement. Members are encouraged to produce and publish original works in the areas of study of the various themed groups. Materials produced will be offered for the use of the global LSI network to support further collaboration. Matching funds are provided by a coalition of eight contributors from university and local faith communities.